Two hour 16c sea swim, where do I get the carbs.

[stewart.uk]

Hi All,
For my sins and my big mouth I have entered the Diabetes UK Relay Channel Swim. The actual swim requires that i swim for an hour and have five hours to rest and refuel, and off I go again. I know that shortly after an hour my bs starts to plumet. Trouble is in Dover Harbour next weekend we have to qualify for the event with a two hour swim. I tried to use glucose gell yesterday but simply couldnt get the things out of my pouch. being cold and unable to tread water, with little blood in my legs, compounded with muddled thinking due to low blood sugar. I fear too that the gells only provide a short boost and are not sustaining.
Is their some product out there that will last the distance and give me a high energy level.
Thanks for reading
Stewart

 

[stewart.uk]

ME again. I am a well controled T2 having benefited greatly from swimming. I now only take Metformin 2000mg daily.
Please ask if you need for more info to answer.
Thank you
Stewart

 

[phoenix]

Here are some accounts of how T1s manage. I think that they all rely on help from a support boat, though one person mentions carrying glucose tablets in a waterproof container.
http://www.runsweet.com/LongDistanceSwimming.html

 

[copepod]

If I'm understanding you correctly, the problem is getting the gel pouches out of a pouch when hypoglycaemic. So, the solution is two part - eat before getting hypoglycaemic and have an easier method of holding gels. How about a triathlon belt with elastic loops for gels?

 

[glucosegirl]

This may help. It is a waterproof wrist pouch that holds eight glucose tablets. It costs £7.99.Here is the information about it and a link to the website where you can buy it.

http://www.gluco-carry.com/order.html

Gluco-Carry Wrist Pouch

The Gluco-Carry wrist pouch is made of neoprene (wetsuit material). The velcro strip on the edge of the pouch can be pulled open and inside is a clear, re-sealable ALOKSAK® bag normally used by the military, which can hold up to eight glucose tablets. The ALOKSAK® bag is certified watertight to 60 metres (200 feet) and has been tested and approved by the US Navy NEDU (Navy Experimental Dive Unit). Perfect for swimming and on the beach when carrying glucose is difficult and prone to getting wet. It can also be used on dry land, for example in the gym.